The Minority has taken a serious position against comments made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, during his visit to Bawku, describing them as “out of place” and urging him to reconsider.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, April 11, Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, reacted to the IGP’s statement that youth who lay down their arms could be prioritised for recruitment into the security services.

“This is purported to be his major public statement ever since he was appointed. Maybe he made that statement just on the spur of the moment, but it is clearly an unfortunate statement.

“It is most unfortunate to say that if you lay down your arms, you will be considered for recruitment. It is out of place. If any other person says this, yes, we may not attach such seriousness, but coming from the IGP, the ramification of that statement is so critical. I think the IGP should consider that statement again," he said.

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He expressed concern about the message such a comment sends, adding, “Does it mean that people from other parts of the country would also ignite a fight and then, when they lay down their arms, they will be considered for recruitment into the security services?”

The Minority called on the government to take responsibility. Mr Annoh-Dompreh recalled that while in opposition, members of the current government had blamed previous administrations for the violence in the area.

“One of the key statements they made was that any time they are in power, there is peace in Bawku, that it is when the NPP is in power that the conflict escalates and gets out of hand. But in this case, they are in power. They must show responsibility.”

He added, “They have been in power for more than three months, and the conflict is getting out of hand. Lives are being lost, properties are being lost. The NDC government must show responsibility. It is so disappointing.”

Mr Annoh-Dompreh concluded by saying that the Minority would not resort to making political gain but would keep pressure on the government to act.

"We won’t make those irresponsible statements, we won’t speak like that. But we will take them on and as a responsible minority, we will do our oversight by making sure they take up to what they are supposed to do and bring lasting peace to Bawku. Our interest is peace and security, protection of lives and properties that is what is key to us.

"The NDC will not run away from it, we will hold them to their promises and we will make sure they deliver on those promises," he said.